1
πλοῦν τις πάλιν στελλόμενος καὶ ἄγρια μέλλων διοδεύειν κύματα τοῦ φέροντος αὐτὸν πλοίου σαθρότερον ξύλον ἐπιβοᾶται
Again, when someone preparing for a voyage and intending to pass through wild waves calls upon a piece of wood more fragile than the ship that carries him,
The argument resumes with a vivid irony: the traveler entrusts himself to wood even more fragile than the vessel beneath him.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
πλοῦνsailingV2 · παπνσμ πλέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπνσμ πλέω: meaning 'sailing'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
τιςsomeoneRI NSM · τιςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceτις: meaning 'someone'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
πάλινagainD · πάλινadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastπάλιν: meaning 'again'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
στελλόμενοςpreparingV1 · πμπνσμ στέλλωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπμπνσμ στέλλω: meaning 'preparing'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἄγριαwildA1A APN · ἄγριοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἄγριος: meaning 'wild'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
μέλλωνintendingV1 · παπνσμ μέλλωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπνσμ μέλλω: meaning 'intending'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
διοδεύεινto pass throughV1 PAN · ὁδεύω + διαverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementὁδεύω + δια: meaning 'to pass through'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
κύματαwavesN3M APN · κῦμαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationκῦμα: meaning 'waves'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
τοῦtheRA GSN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
φέροντοςcarryingV1 · παπγσν φέρωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπγσν φέρω: meaning 'carrying'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
αὐτὸνhimRD ASM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceαὐτὸν: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
πλοίουshipN2N GSN · πλοῖονgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationπλοῖον: meaning 'ship'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
σαθρότερονmore fragileA1A ASNC · σαθρόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationσαθρός: meaning 'more fragile'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ξύλονpiece of woodN2N ASN · ξύλονaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationξύλον: meaning 'piece of wood'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἐπιβοᾶταιcalls uponV3 PMI3S · βοάω + ἐπιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processβοάω + ἐπι: meaning 'calls upon'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
2
ἐκεῖνο μὲν γὰρ ὄρεξις πορισμῶν ἐπενόησεν τεχνῖτις δὲ σοφία κατεσκεύασεν
for desire for gain devised that ship, but wisdom the craftswoman constructed it,
Commercial desire initiates the vessel, but a higher wisdom is acknowledged behind the shaping of skilled means.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
ἐκεῖνοthat oneRD ASN · ἐκεῖνοςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceἐκεῖνο: meaning 'that one'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
μὲνindeedX · μένadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastμὲν: meaning 'indeed'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
γὰρforX · γάρadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastγὰρ: meaning 'for'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὄρεξιςdesireN3I NSF · ὄρεξιςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceὄρεξις: meaning 'desire'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
πορισμῶνfor gainN2 GPM · πορισμόςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationπορισμός: meaning 'for gain'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἐπενόησενdevisedVAI AAI3S · νοέω + ἐπιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristνοέω + ἐπι: meaning 'devised'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
τεχνῖτιςcraftswomanN3D NSF · τεχνῖτιςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceτεχνῖτις: meaning 'craftswoman'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
δὲbutX · δέadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastδὲ: meaning 'but'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
σοφίαwisdomN1A NSF · σοφίαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceσοφία: meaning 'wisdom'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
κατεσκεύασενconstructedVAI AAI3S · σκευάζω + καταverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristσκευάζω + κατα: meaning 'constructed'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
3
ἡ δὲ σή πάτερ διακυβερνᾷ πρόνοια ὅτι ἔδωκας καὶ ἐν θαλάσσῃ ὁδὸν καὶ ἐν κύμασι τρίβον ἀσφαλῆ
yet your providence, Father, steers it, because you gave a way even in the sea and a safe path in the waves,
The chapter moves from human making to divine governance: providence, not craft alone, secures passage through chaos.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
ἡyourRA NSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
δὲbutX · δέadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastδὲ: meaning 'but'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
σήyourA1 NSF · σόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceσός: meaning 'your'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
πάτερFatherN3 VSM · πατήρvocative nominal element used in direct address→ direct addressπατήρ: meaning 'Father'; it serves as vocative nominal element used in direct address.
διακυβερνᾷsteersV3 PAI3S · κυβερνάω + διαverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processκυβερνάω + δια: meaning 'steers'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
πρόνοιαprovidenceN1A NSF · πρόνοιαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceπρόνοια: meaning 'providence'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ὅτιbecauseC · ὅτιconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: meaning 'because'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔδωκαςyou gaveVAI AAI2S · δίδωμιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristδίδωμι: meaning 'you gave'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
θαλάσσῃseaN1S DSF · θάλασσαdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceθάλασσα: meaning 'sea'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
ὁδὸνwayN2 ASF · ὁδόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationὁδός: meaning 'way'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
κύμασιwavesN3M DPN · κῦμαdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceκῦμα: meaning 'waves'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
τρίβονpathN2 ASM · τρίβοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationτρίβος: meaning 'path'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἀσφαλῆsafeA3H ASM · ἀσφαλήςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἀσφαλής: meaning 'safe'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
4
δεικνὺς ὅτι δύνασαι ἐκ παντὸς σῴζειν ἵνα κἂν ἄνευ τέχνης τις ἐπιβῇ
showing that you are able to save from every circumstance, so that even without skill someone may embark.
The point of the image is theological rather than nautical: God's power to save exceeds technical competence.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
δεικνὺςshowingV5 PAI2S · δεικνύωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processδεικνύω: meaning 'showing'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ὅτιbecauseC · ὅτιconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: meaning 'because'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
δύνασαιyou are ableV6 PMI2S · δύναμαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processδύναμαι: meaning 'you are able'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἐκfromP · ἐκpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐκ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
παντὸςevery circumstanceA3 GSN · πᾶςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationπᾶς: meaning 'every circumstance'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
σῴζεινto saveV1 PAN · σώζωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementσώζω: meaning 'to save'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἵναso thatC · ἵναconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastἵνα: meaning 'so that'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
κἂνeven ifC+X · καί̈ἄνconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκἂν: meaning 'even if'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἄνευwithoutP · ἄνευpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἄνευ: meaning 'without'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
τέχνηςskillN1 GSF · τέχνηgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationτέχνη: meaning 'skill'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
τιςsomeoneRI NSM · τιςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceτις: meaning 'someone'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ἐπιβῇshould embarkVZ AAS3S · βαίνω + ἐπιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ subjunctive contingencyβαίνω + ἐπι: meaning 'should embark'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
5
θέλεις δὲ μὴ ἀργὰ εἶναι τὰ τῆς σοφίας σου ἔργα διὰ τοῦτο καὶ ἐλαχίστῳ ξύλῳ πιστεύουσιν ἄνθρωποι ψυχὰς καὶ διελθόντες κλύδωνα σχεδίᾳ διεσώθησαν
But you do not will the works of your wisdom to be idle; therefore men entrust their lives even to the smallest piece of wood and, passing through the surge on a raft, were brought safely through.
Even the humblest means can become effective when wisdom and providence choose to work through them.
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
θέλειςyou willV1 PAI2S · θέλωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processθέλω: meaning 'you will'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
δὲbutX · δέadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastδὲ: meaning 'but'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
μὴnotD · μήadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastμὴ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀργὰidleA1 APN · ἀργόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἀργός: meaning 'idle'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
εἶναιto beV9 PAN · εἰμίverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementεἰμί: meaning 'to be'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
τὰtheRA APN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
τῆςof yourRA GSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
σοφίαςwisdomN1A GSF · σοφίαgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationσοφία: meaning 'wisdom'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
σουyourRP GS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ἔργαworksN2N APN · ἔργονaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἔργον: meaning 'works'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
διὰthroughP · διάpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingδιὰ: meaning 'through'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
τοῦτοthisRD ASN · οὗτοςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceτοῦτο: meaning 'this'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐλαχίστῳsmallestA1 DSNS · ἐλαχύςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceἐλαχύς: meaning 'smallest'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
ξύλῳpiece of woodN2N DSN · ξύλονdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceξύλον: meaning 'piece of wood'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
πιστεύουσινentrustV1 PAI3P · πιστεύωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processπιστεύω: meaning 'entrust'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἄνθρωποιmenN2 NPM · ἄνθρωποςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἄνθρωπος: meaning 'men'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ψυχὰςlivesN1 APF · ψυχήaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationψυχή: meaning 'lives'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
διελθόντεςpassing throughVB · ααπνπμ ἔρχομαι + διαverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateααπνπμ ἔρχομαι + δια: meaning 'passing through'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
κλύδωναsurgeN3W ASM · κλύδωνaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationκλύδων: meaning 'surge'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
σχεδίᾳon a raftN1A DSF · σχεδίαdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceσχεδία: meaning 'on a raft'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
διεσώθησανwere brought safely throughVCI API3P · σώζω + διαverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristσώζω + δια: meaning 'were brought safely through'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
6
καὶ ἀρχῆς γὰρ ἀπολλυμένων ὑπερηφάνων γιγάντων ἡ ἐλπὶς τοῦ κόσμου ἐπὶ σχεδίας καταφυγοῦσα ἀπέλιπεν αἰῶνι σπέρμα γενέσεως τῇ σῇ κυβερνηθεῖσα χειρί
For also in the beginning, when the proud giants were perishing, the hope of the world, taking refuge on a raft, left to the age a seed of generation, having been steered by your hand.
The allusion to the flood frames providence historically: God's hand preserves life and future generations through fragile means.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀρχῆςin the beginningN1 GSF · ἀρχήgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἀρχή: meaning 'in the beginning'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
γὰρforX · γάρadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastγὰρ: meaning 'for'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀπολλυμένωνperishingV5 · πμπγπμ ὀλλύω + ἀποverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπμπγπμ ὀλλύω + ἀπο: meaning 'perishing'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ὑπερηφάνωνproudA1B GPM · ὑπερήφανοςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationὑπερήφανος: meaning 'proud'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
γιγάντωνgiantsN3 GPM · γίγαςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationγίγας: meaning 'giants'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἡyourRA NSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐλπὶςhopeN3D NSF · ἐλπίςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἐλπίς: meaning 'hope'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
τοῦtheRA GSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κόσμουof the worldN2 GSM · κόσμοςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationκόσμος: meaning 'of the world'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἐπὶuponP · ἐπίpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'upon'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
σχεδίαςa raftN1A GSF · σχεδίαgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationσχεδία: meaning 'a raft'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
καταφυγοῦσαhaving taken refugeVB · ααπνσφ φεύγω + καταverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateααπνσφ φεύγω + κατα: meaning 'having taken refuge'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἀπέλιπενleftVBI AAI3S · λείπω + ἀποverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristλείπω + ἀπο: meaning 'left'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
αἰῶνιto the ageN3W DSM · αἰώνdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceαἰών: meaning 'to the age'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
σπέρμαseedN3M ASN · σπέρμαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationσπέρμα: meaning 'seed'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
γενέσεωςof generationN3I GSF · γένεσιςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationγένεσις: meaning 'of generation'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
τῇby yourRA DSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
σῇyourA1 DSF · σόςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceσός: meaning 'your'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
κυβερνηθεῖσαhaving been steeredVC · αππνσφ κυβερνάωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateαππνσφ κυβερνάω: meaning 'having been steered'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
χειρίhandN3 DSF · χείρdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceχείρ: meaning 'hand'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
7
εὐλόγηται γὰρ ξύλον δι' οὗ γίνεται δικαιοσύνη
For blessed is the wood through which righteousness comes to be,
The chapter briefly reverses the expected judgment on wood by distinguishing instruments of salvation from instruments of idolatry.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
εὐλόγηταιis blessedVM XMI3S · εὐλογέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateεὐλογέω: meaning 'is blessed'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
γὰρforX · γάρadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastγὰρ: meaning 'for'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ξύλονpiece of woodN2N NSN · ξύλονnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceξύλον: meaning 'piece of wood'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
δι'throughP · διάpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingδι': meaning 'through'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
οὗwhichRR GSN · ὅςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationοὗ: meaning 'which'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
γίνεταιcomes to beV1 PMI3S · γίγνομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processγίγνομαι: meaning 'comes to be'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
δικαιοσύνηrighteousnessN1 NSF · δικαιοσύνηnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceδικαιοσύνη: meaning 'righteousness'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
8
τὸ χειροποίητον δέ ἐπικατάρατον αὐτὸ καὶ ὁ ποιήσας αὐτό ὅτι ὁ μὲν ἠργάζετο τὸ δὲ φθαρτὸν θεὸς ὠνομάσθη
but the handmade thing is accursed, both it and the one who made it, because he indeed worked on it, but the corruptible thing was named a god.
The blessed wood of providential rescue is sharply separated from the crafted idol and its culpable maker.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
τὸtheRA NSN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
χειροποίητονhandmade thingA1B NSN · χειροποίητοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceχειροποίητος: meaning 'handmade thing'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
δέbutX · δέadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: meaning 'but'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐπικατάρατονaccursedA1B NSN · ἐπικατάρατοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἐπικατάρατος: meaning 'accursed'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
αὐτὸitRD NSN · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceαὐτὸ: meaning 'it'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὁthe one whoRA NSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ποιήσαςmadeVA · ααπνσμ ποιέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateααπνσμ ποιέω: meaning 'made'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
αὐτόitRD ASN · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceαὐτό: meaning 'it'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ὅτιbecauseC · ὅτιconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: meaning 'because'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὁthe one whoRA NSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
μὲνindeedX · μένadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastμὲν: meaning 'indeed'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἠργάζετοwas workingV1I IMI3S · ἐργάζομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processἐργάζομαι: meaning 'was working'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
τὸtheRA ASN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
δὲbutX · δέadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastδὲ: meaning 'but'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
φθαρτὸνcorruptible thingA1 ASN · φθαρτόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationφθαρτός: meaning 'corruptible thing'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
θεὸςgodN2 NSM · θεόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceθεός: meaning 'god'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ὠνομάσθηwas namedVSI API3S · ὀνομάζωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristὀνομάζω: meaning 'was named'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
9
ἐν ἴσῳ γὰρ μισητὰ θεῷ καὶ ὁ ἀσεβῶν καὶ ἡ ἀσέβεια αὐτοῦ
For equally hateful to God are both the impious man and his impiety,
The condemnation falls on both actor and act; idolatry cannot be detached from the person who practices it.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ἴσῳequallyA1 DSM · ἴσοςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceἴσος: meaning 'equally'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
γὰρforX · γάρadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastγὰρ: meaning 'for'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
μισητὰhatefulA1 APN · μισητόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationμισητός: meaning 'hateful'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
θεῷto GodN2 DSM · θεόςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceθεός: meaning 'to God'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὁthe one whoRA NSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀσεβῶνimpious manV2 · παπνσμ ἀσεβέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπνσμ ἀσεβέω: meaning 'impious man'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἡyourRA NSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀσέβειαimpietyN1A NSF · ἀσέβειαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἀσέβεια: meaning 'impiety'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
αὐτοῦhisRD GSM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
10
καὶ γὰρ τὸ πραχθὲν σὺν τῷ δράσαντι κολασθήσεται
and the thing made will be punished together with the one who made it.
The judgment extends to the whole idolatrous enterprise, image and maker alike.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
γὰρforX · γάρadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastγὰρ: meaning 'for'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὸtheRA NSN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πραχθὲνthing doneVQ · αππνσν πράσσωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateαππνσν πράσσω: meaning 'thing done'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
σὺνtogether withP · σύνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingσὺν: meaning 'together with'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
τῷthe one whoRA DSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
δράσαντιdid itVA · ααπδσμ δράωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateααπδσμ δράω: meaning 'did it'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
κολασθήσεταιwill be punishedVS FPI3S · κολάζωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureκολάζω: meaning 'will be punished'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
11
διὰ τοῦτο καὶ ἐν εἰδώλοις ἐθνῶν ἐπισκοπὴ ἔσται ὅτι ἐν κτίσματι θεοῦ εἰς βδέλυγμα ἐγενήθησαν καὶ εἰς σκάνδαλα ψυχαῖς ἀνθρώπων καὶ εἰς παγίδα ποσὶν ἀφρόνων
Therefore there will also be a visitation upon the idols of the nations, because in God's creation they became an abomination and stumbling blocks to the souls of men and a snare for the feet of fools.
Idols are judged because they pervert created reality into a trap that corrupts worship and conduct.
Word-by-word analysis· 25 words
διὰthroughP · διάpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingδιὰ: meaning 'through'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
τοῦτοthisRD ASN · οὗτοςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceτοῦτο: meaning 'this'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
εἰδώλοιςidolsN2N DPN · εἴδωλονdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceεἴδωλον: meaning 'idols'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
ἐθνῶνof nationsN3E GPN · ἔθνοςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἔθνος: meaning 'of nations'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἐπισκοπὴvisitationN1 NSF · ἐπισκοπήnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἐπισκοπή: meaning 'visitation'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἔσταιthere will beVF FMI3S · εἰμίverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureεἰμί: meaning 'there will be'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ὅτιbecauseC · ὅτιconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: meaning 'because'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
κτίσματιin creationN3M DSN · κτίσμαdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceκτίσμα: meaning 'in creation'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
θεοῦgodN2 GSM · θεόςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationθεός: meaning 'god'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
εἰςintoP · εἰςpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'into'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
βδέλυγμαan abominationN3M ASN · βδέλυγμαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationβδέλυγμα: meaning 'an abomination'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἐγενήθησανthey becameVCI API3P · γίγνομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristγίγνομαι: meaning 'they became'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εἰςintoP · εἰςpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'into'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
σκάνδαλαstumbling blocksN2N APN · σκάνδαλονaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationσκάνδαλον: meaning 'stumbling blocks'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ψυχαῖςto soulsN1 DPF · ψυχήdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceψυχή: meaning 'to souls'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
ἀνθρώπωνof menN2 GPM · ἄνθρωποςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἄνθρωπος: meaning 'of men'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εἰςintoP · εἰςpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'into'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
παγίδαa snareN3D ASF · παγίςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπαγίς: meaning 'a snare'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ποσὶνfor the feetN3D DPM · πούςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceπούς: meaning 'for the feet'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
ἀφρόνωνof foolsA3N GPM · ἄφρωνgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἄφρων: meaning 'of fools'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
12
ἀρχὴ γὰρ πορνείας ἐπίνοια εἰδώλων εὕρεσις δὲ αὐτῶν φθορὰ ζωῆς
For the beginning of fornication is the devising of idols, and the invention of them is corruption of life.
The text gives a compressed genealogy: false worship and moral corruption arise together.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
ἀρχὴbeginningN1 NSF · ἀρχήnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἀρχή: meaning 'beginning'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
γὰρforX · γάρadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastγὰρ: meaning 'for'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πορνείαςof fornicationN1A GSF · πορνείαgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationπορνεία: meaning 'of fornication'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἐπίνοιαdevisingN1A NSF · ἐπίνοιαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἐπίνοια: meaning 'devising'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
εἰδώλωνof idolsN2N GPN · εἴδωλονgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationεἴδωλον: meaning 'of idols'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
εὕρεσιςinventionN3I NSF · εὕρεσιςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceεὕρεσις: meaning 'invention'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
δὲbutX · δέadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastδὲ: meaning 'but'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
αὐτῶνof themRD GPN · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτῶν: meaning 'of them'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
φθορὰcorruptionN1A NSF · φθοράnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceφθορά: meaning 'corruption'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ζωῆςof lifeN1 GSF · ζωήgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationζωή: meaning 'of life'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
13
οὔτε γὰρ ἦν ἀπ' ἀρχῆς οὔτε εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα ἔσται
For neither were they from the beginning, nor will they be forever,
Idols are historically contingent and therefore unworthy of divine status.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
οὔτεneitherC · οὔτεconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastοὔτε: meaning 'neither'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
γὰρforX · γάρadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastγὰρ: meaning 'for'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἦνthey wereV9 IAI3S · εἰμίverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ participant referenceἦν: meaning 'they were'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἀπ'fromP · ἀπόpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἀπ': meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ἀρχῆςin the beginningN1 GSF · ἀρχήgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἀρχή: meaning 'in the beginning'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
οὔτεneitherC · οὔτεconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastοὔτε: meaning 'neither'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εἰςintoP · εἰςpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'into'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
τὸνtheRA ASM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
αἰῶναageN3W ASM · αἰώνaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationαἰών: meaning 'age'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἔσταιthere will beVF FMI3S · εἰμίverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureεἰμί: meaning 'there will be'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
14
κενοδοξίᾳ γὰρ ἀνθρώπων εἰσῆλθεν εἰς τὸν κόσμον καὶ διὰ τοῦτο σύντομον αὐτῶν τὸ τέλος ἐπενοήθη
for through human vanity they entered into the world, and because of this their end was devised to be swift.
The chapter traces idols to empty human display and therefore assigns them a correspondingly brief future.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
κενοδοξίᾳthrough vanityN1A DSF · κενοδοξίαdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceκενοδοξία: meaning 'through vanity'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
γὰρforX · γάρadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastγὰρ: meaning 'for'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀνθρώπωνof menN2 GPM · ἄνθρωποςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἄνθρωπος: meaning 'of men'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
εἰσῆλθενit enteredVBI AAI3S · ἔρχομαι + εἰςverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristἔρχομαι + εἰς: meaning 'it entered'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
εἰςintoP · εἰςpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'into'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
τὸνtheRA ASM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κόσμονworldN2 ASM · κόσμοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationκόσμος: meaning 'world'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
διὰthroughP · διάpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingδιὰ: meaning 'through'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
τοῦτοthisRD ASN · οὗτοςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceτοῦτο: meaning 'this'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
σύντομονswiftA1B ASN · σύντομοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationσύντομος: meaning 'swift'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
αὐτῶνof themRD GPN · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτῶν: meaning 'of them'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
τὸtheRA ASN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
τέλοςendN3E ASN · τέλοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationτέλος: meaning 'end'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἐπενοήθηwas devisedVCI API3S · νοέω + ἐπιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristνοέω + ἐπι: meaning 'was devised'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
15
ἀώρῳ γὰρ πένθει τρυχόμενος πατὴρ τοῦ ταχέως ἀφαιρεθέντος τέκνου εἰκόνα ποιήσας τόν ποτε νεκρὸν ἄνθρωπον νῦν ὡς θεὸν ἐτίμησεν καὶ παρέδωκεν τοῖς ὑποχειρίοις μυστήρια καὶ τελετάς
For a father, worn down by untimely grief, after making an image of the child quickly taken away, now honored as a god the once-dead man, and handed over mysteries and rites to those under him.
One origin of idolatry is memorial grief: bereavement hardens into cult and ritual transmission.
Word-by-word analysis· 26 words
ἀώρῳuntimelyA1B DSN · ἄωροςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceἄωρος: meaning 'untimely'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
γὰρforX · γάρadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastγὰρ: meaning 'for'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πένθειby griefN3E DSN · πένθοςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceπένθος: meaning 'by grief'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
τρυχόμενοςbeing worn downV1 · πμπνσμ τρύχωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπμπνσμ τρύχω: meaning 'being worn down'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
πατὴρfatherN3 NSM · πατήρnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceπατήρ: meaning 'father'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
τοῦtheRA GSN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ταχέωςquicklyD · ταχέωςadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastταχέως: meaning 'quickly'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀφαιρεθέντοςhaving been taken awayVC · αππγσν αἱρέω + ἀποverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateαππγσν αἱρέω + ἀπο: meaning 'having been taken away'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
τέκνουchildN2N GSN · τέκνονgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationτέκνον: meaning 'child'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
εἰκόναan imageN3N GSF · εἰκώνgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationεἰκών: meaning 'an image'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ποιήσαςmadeVA · ααπνσμ ποιέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateααπνσμ ποιέω: meaning 'made'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
τόνtheRA ASM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτόν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ποτεonceD · ποτέadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastποτε: meaning 'once'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
νεκρὸνdeadA1A ASM · νεκρόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationνεκρός: meaning 'dead'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἄνθρωπονmanN2 ASM · ἄνθρωποςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἄνθρωπος: meaning 'man'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
νῦνnowD · νῦνadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastνῦν: meaning 'now'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὡςasC · ὡςconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastὡς: meaning 'as'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
θεὸνgodN2 ASM · θεόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationθεός: meaning 'god'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἐτίμησενhonoredVAI AAI3S · τιμάωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristτιμάω: meaning 'honored'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
παρέδωκενhanded overVAI AAI3S · δίδωμι + παραverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristδίδωμι + παρα: meaning 'handed over'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
τοῖςto thoseRA DPM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὑποχειρίοιςunder himA1A DPM · ὑποχείριοςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceὑποχείριος: meaning 'under him'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
μυστήριαmysteriesN2N APN · μυστήριονaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationμυστήριον: meaning 'mysteries'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τελετάςritesN1 APF · τελετήaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationτελετή: meaning 'rites'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
16
εἶτα ἐν χρόνῳ κρατυνθὲν τὸ ἀσεβὲς ἔθος ὡς νόμος ἐφυλάχθη
Then in time the impious custom, having grown strong, was kept as a law,
What begins as private distortion becomes public norm once habit hardens into custom.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
εἶταthenD · εἶταadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastεἶτα: meaning 'then'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
χρόνῳin timeN2 DSM · χρόνοςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceχρόνος: meaning 'in time'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
κρατυνθὲνhaving grown strongVA · αππνσν κρατύνωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateαππνσν κρατύνω: meaning 'having grown strong'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
τὸtheRA NSN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀσεβὲςimpiousA3H NSN · ἀσεβήςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἀσεβής: meaning 'impious'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἔθοςcustomN3E NSN · ἔθοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἔθος: meaning 'custom'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ὡςasC · ὡςconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastὡς: meaning 'as'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
νόμοςlawN2 NSM · νόμοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceνόμος: meaning 'law'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἐφυλάχθηwas keptVQI API3S · φυλάσσωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristφυλάσσω: meaning 'was kept'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
17
καὶ τυράννων ἐπιταγαῖς ἐθρησκεύετο τὰ γλυπτά οὓς ἐν ὄψει μὴ δυνάμενοι τιμᾶν ἄνθρωποι διὰ τὸ μακρὰν οἰκεῖν τὴν πόρρωθεν ὄψιν ἀνατυπωσάμενοι ἐμφανῆ εἰκόνα τοῦ τιμωμένου βασιλέως ἐποίησαν ἵνα ὡς παρόντα τὸν ἀπόντα κολακεύωσιν διὰ τῆς σπουδῆς
and by the commands of tyrants graven images were worshiped; those whom men were unable to honor in person because they lived far away, they reproduced from a distant appearance and made a visible image of the honored king, so that by zeal they might flatter the absent one as though present.
Royal power expands idolatry by turning political absence into image-mediated devotion and flattery.
Word-by-word analysis· 36 words
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τυράννωνof tyrantsN2 GPM · τύραννοςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationτύραννος: meaning 'of tyrants'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἐπιταγαῖςby commandsN1 DPF · ἐπιταγήdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceἐπιταγή: meaning 'by commands'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
ἐθρησκεύετοwas worshipedV1I IMI3S · θρησκεύωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processθρησκεύω: meaning 'was worshiped'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
τὰtheRA APN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γλυπτάgraven imagesA1 APN · γλυπτόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationγλυπτός: meaning 'graven images'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
οὓςwhomRR APM · ὅςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceοὓς: meaning 'whom'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ὄψειin personN3I DSF · ὄψιςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceὄψις: meaning 'in person'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
μὴnotD · μήadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastμὴ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
δυνάμενοιbeing ableV6 · πμπνπμ δύναμαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπμπνπμ δύναμαι: meaning 'being able'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
τιμᾶνto honorV3 PAN · τιμάωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementτιμάω: meaning 'to honor'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἄνθρωποιmenN2 NPM · ἄνθρωποςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἄνθρωπος: meaning 'men'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
διὰthroughP · διάpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingδιὰ: meaning 'through'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
τὸtheRA ASN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
μακρὰνfar awayD · μακράνadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastμακρὰν: meaning 'far away'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οἰκεῖνto dwellV2 PAN · οἰκέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementοἰκέω: meaning 'to dwell'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
τὴνtheRA ASF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πόρρωθενfrom afarD · πόρρωθενadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastπόρρωθεν: meaning 'from afar'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὄψινappearanceN3I ASF · ὄψιςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationὄψις: meaning 'appearance'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἀνατυπωσάμενοιhaving reproducedVA · αμπνπμ τυπόω + ἀναverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateαμπνπμ τυπόω + ἀνα: meaning 'having reproduced'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἐμφανῆvisibleA3H ASF · ἐμφανήςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἐμφανής: meaning 'visible'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
εἰκόναan imageN3N ASF · εἰκώνaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationεἰκών: meaning 'an image'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
τοῦtheRA GSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
τιμωμένουbeing honoredV3 · πμπγσμ τιμάωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπμπγσμ τιμάω: meaning 'being honored'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
βασιλέωςkingN3V GSM · βασιλεύςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationβασιλεύς: meaning 'king'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἐποίησανthey madeVAI AAI3P · ποιέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristποιέω: meaning 'they made'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἵναso thatC · ἵναconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastἵνα: meaning 'so that'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὡςasC · ὡςconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastὡς: meaning 'as'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
παρόνταpresentV9 · παπασμ εἰμί + παραverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπασμ εἰμί + παρα: meaning 'present'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
τὸνtheRA ASM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀπόνταabsentV9 · παπασμ εἰμί + ἀποverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπασμ εἰμί + ἀπο: meaning 'absent'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
κολακεύωσινthey might flatterV1 PAS3P · κολακεύωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ subjunctive contingencyκολακεύω: meaning 'they might flatter'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
διὰthroughP · διάpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingδιὰ: meaning 'through'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
τῆςof yourRA GSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
σπουδῆςby zealN1 GSF · σπουδήgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationσπουδή: meaning 'by zeal'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
18
εἰς ἐπίτασιν δὲ θρησκείας καὶ τοὺς ἀγνοοῦντας ἡ τοῦ τεχνίτου προετρέψατο φιλοτιμία
And for an intensification of worship even among those who did not know him, the artisan's ambition urged them on.
Technical artistry does not remain neutral; it becomes an engine that amplifies devotion and spreads it further.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
εἰςintoP · εἰςpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'into'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ἐπίτασινintensificationN3I ASF · ἐπίτασιςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἐπίτασις: meaning 'intensification'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
δὲbutX · δέadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastδὲ: meaning 'but'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
θρησκείαςof worshipN1A GSF · θρησκείαgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationθρησκεία: meaning 'of worship'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τοὺςthose whoRA APM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοὺς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀγνοοῦνταςdid not knowV2 · παπαπμ ἀγνοέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπαπμ ἀγνοέω: meaning 'did not know'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἡyourRA NSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
τοῦtheRA GSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
τεχνίτουof the artisanN1M GSM · τεχνίτηςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationτεχνίτης: meaning 'of the artisan'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
προετρέψατοurged onVAI AMI3S · τρέπω + προverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristτρέπω + προ: meaning 'urged on'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
φιλοτιμίαambitionN1A NSF · φιλοτιμίαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceφιλοτιμία: meaning 'ambition'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
19
ὁ μὲν γὰρ τάχα κρατοῦντι βουλόμενος ἀρέσαι ἐξεβιάσατο τῇ τέχνῃ τὴν ὁμοιότητα ἐπὶ τὸ κάλλιον
For he, perhaps wishing to please the ruler, forced the likeness by his art toward something more beautiful,
The artist exaggerates beauty in order to satisfy power, and art becomes complicit in false reverence.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
ὁthe one whoRA NSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
μὲνindeedX · μένadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastμὲν: meaning 'indeed'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
γὰρforX · γάρadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastγὰρ: meaning 'for'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τάχαperhapsD · τάχαadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastτάχα: meaning 'perhaps'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
κρατοῦντιthe rulerV2 · παπδσμ κρατέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπδσμ κρατέω: meaning 'the ruler'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
βουλόμενοςwishingV1 · πμπνσμ βούλομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπμπνσμ βούλομαι: meaning 'wishing'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἀρέσαιto pleaseVA AAN · ἀρέσκωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementἀρέσκω: meaning 'to please'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἐξεβιάσατοforcedVAI AMI3S · βιάζω + ἐκverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristβιάζω + ἐκ: meaning 'forced'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
τῇby yourRA DSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
τέχνῃby artN1 DSF · τέχνηdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceτέχνη: meaning 'by art'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
τὴνtheRA ASF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὁμοιότηταlikenessN3T ASF · ὁμοιότηςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationὁμοιότης: meaning 'likeness'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἐπὶuponP · ἐπίpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'upon'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
τὸtheRA ASN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κάλλιονtoward something more beautifulA3C ASN · καλόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationκαλός: meaning 'toward something more beautiful'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
20
τὸ δὲ πλῆθος ἐφελκόμενον διὰ τὸ εὔχαρι τῆς ἐργασίας τὸν πρὸ ὀλίγου τιμηθέντα ἄνθρωπον νῦν σέβασμα ἐλογίσαντο
and the multitude, attracted by the charm of the workmanship, now regarded as an object of worship the man who a little before had been honored.
Aesthetic charm turns honor into worship as the crowd slides from admiration to cultic reverence.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
τὸtheRA NSN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
δὲbutX · δέadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastδὲ: meaning 'but'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πλῆθοςmultitudeN3E NSN · πλῆθοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceπλῆθος: meaning 'multitude'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἐφελκόμενονbeing attractedV1 · πμπασν ἕλκω + ἐπιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπμπασν ἕλκω + ἐπι: meaning 'being attracted'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
διὰthroughP · διάpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingδιὰ: meaning 'through'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
τὸtheRA ASN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
εὔχαριcharmA3 ASN · εὔχαριςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationεὔχαρις: meaning 'charm'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
τῆςof yourRA GSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐργασίαςof workmanshipN1A GSF · ἐργασίαgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἐργασία: meaning 'of workmanship'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
τὸνtheRA ASM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πρὸa littleP · πρόpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingπρὸ: meaning 'a little'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ὀλίγουbeforeA1 GSN · ὀλίγοςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationὀλίγος: meaning 'before'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
τιμηθένταhaving been honoredVC · αππασμ τιμάωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateαππασμ τιμάω: meaning 'having been honored'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἄνθρωπονmanN2 ASM · ἄνθρωποςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἄνθρωπος: meaning 'man'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
νῦνnowD · νῦνadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastνῦν: meaning 'now'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
σέβασμαobject of worshipN3M ASN · σέβασμαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationσέβασμα: meaning 'object of worship'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἐλογίσαντοthey regardedVAI AMI3P · λογίζομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristλογίζομαι: meaning 'they regarded'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
21
καὶ τοῦτο ἐγένετο τῷ βίῳ εἰς ἔνεδρον ὅτι ἢ συμφορᾷ ἢ τυραννίδι δουλεύσαντες ἄνθρωποι τὸ ἀκοινώνητον ὄνομα λίθοις καὶ ξύλοις περιέθεσαν
And this became an ambush for life, because men, serving either misfortune or tyranny, placed the incommunicable Name on stones and woods.
The transfer of the divine name to material objects marks the decisive corruption of worship and life together.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τοῦτοthisRD NSN · οὗτοςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceτοῦτο: meaning 'this'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ἐγένετοit becameVBI AMI3S · γίγνομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristγίγνομαι: meaning 'it became'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
τῷthe one whoRA DSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
βίῳto lifeN2 DSM · βίοςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceβίος: meaning 'to life'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
εἰςintoP · εἰςpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'into'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ἔνεδρονan ambushN2 ASN · ἔνεδρονaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἔνεδρον: meaning 'an ambush'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ὅτιbecauseC · ὅτιconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: meaning 'because'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἢeitherC · ἤconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastἢ: meaning 'either'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
συμφορᾷto misfortuneN1A DSF · συμφοράdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceσυμφορά: meaning 'to misfortune'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
ἢeitherC · ἤconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastἢ: meaning 'either'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τυραννίδιto tyrannyN3D DSF · τυραννίςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceτυραννίς: meaning 'to tyranny'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
δουλεύσαντεςhaving servedVA · ααπνπμ δουλεύωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateααπνπμ δουλεύω: meaning 'having served'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἄνθρωποιmenN2 NPM · ἄνθρωποςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἄνθρωπος: meaning 'men'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
τὸtheRA ASN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀκοινώνητονincommunicableA1B ASN · ἀκοινώνητοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἀκοινώνητος: meaning 'incommunicable'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ὄνομαNameN3M ASN · ὄνομαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationὄνομα: meaning 'Name'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
λίθοιςon stonesN2 DPM · λίθοςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceλίθος: meaning 'on stones'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ξύλοιςand woodsN2N DPN · ξύλονdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceξύλον: meaning 'and woods'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
περιέθεσανthey placed aroundVEI AAI3S · τίθημι + περιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristτίθημι + περι: meaning 'they placed around'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
22
εἶτ' οὐκ ἤρκεσεν τὸ πλανᾶσθαι περὶ τὴν τοῦ θεοῦ γνῶσιν ἀλλὰ καὶ ἐν μεγάλῳ ζῶντες ἀγνοίας πολέμῳ τὰ τοσαῦτα κακὰ εἰρήνην προσαγορεύουσιν
Then it was not enough for them to wander regarding the knowledge of God, but while living in a great war of ignorance they call such great evils peace.
Ignorance does not remain speculative; it renames moral disorder as if it were settled peace.
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
εἶτ'thenD · εἶταadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastεἶτ': meaning 'then'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οὐκnotD · οὐadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἤρκεσενit was enoughVAI AAI3S · ἀρκέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristἀρκέω: meaning 'it was enough'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
τὸtheRA ASN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πλανᾶσθαιto wanderV3 PMN · πλανάωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementπλανάω: meaning 'to wander'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
περὶregardingP · περίpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingπερὶ: meaning 'regarding'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
τὴνtheRA ASF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
τοῦtheRA GSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θεοῦgodN2 GSM · θεόςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationθεός: meaning 'god'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
γνῶσινknowledgeN3I ASF · γνῶσιςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationγνῶσις: meaning 'knowledge'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἀλλὰbutC · ἀλλάconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastἀλλὰ: meaning 'but'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
καὶandD · καίadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
μεγάλῳgreatA1 DSM · μέγαςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceμέγας: meaning 'great'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
ζῶντεςlivingV3 · παπνπμ ζάωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπνπμ ζάω: meaning 'living'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἀγνοίαςof ignoranceN1A GSF · ἄγνοιαgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἄγνοια: meaning 'of ignorance'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
πολέμῳwarN2 DSM · πόλεμοςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceπόλεμος: meaning 'war'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
τὰtheRA APN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
τοσαῦταso manyA1 APN · τοσοῦτοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationτοσοῦτος: meaning 'so many'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
κακὰevilsA1 APN · κακόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationκακός: meaning 'evils'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
εἰρήνηνpeaceN1 ASF · εἰρήνηaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationεἰρήνη: meaning 'peace'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
προσαγορεύουσινthey callV1 PAI3P · ἀγορεύω + προςverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processἀγορεύω + προς: meaning 'they call'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
23
ἢ γὰρ τεκνοφόνους τελετὰς ἢ κρύφια μυστήρια ἢ ἐμμανεῖς ἐξάλλων θεσμῶν κώμους ἄγοντες
For whether conducting child-killing rites or secret mysteries or frenzied revels of strange ordinances,
The moral effects of idolatry are now enumerated in cultic and social practices that reveal deep disorder.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
ἢeitherC · ἤconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastἢ: meaning 'either'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
γὰρforX · γάρadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastγὰρ: meaning 'for'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τεκνοφόνουςchild-killingA1B APF · τεκνοφόνοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationτεκνοφόνος: meaning 'child-killing'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
τελετὰςritesN1 APF · τελετήaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationτελετή: meaning 'rites'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἢeitherC · ἤconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastἢ: meaning 'either'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
κρύφιαsecretA1A APN · κρύφιοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationκρύφιος: meaning 'secret'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
μυστήριαmysteriesN2N APN · μυστήριονaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationμυστήριον: meaning 'mysteries'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἢeitherC · ἤconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastἢ: meaning 'either'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐμμανεῖςfrenziedA3H APM · ἐμμανήςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἐμμανής: meaning 'frenzied'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἐξάλλωνof strangeA1B GPM · ἔξαλλοςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἔξαλλος: meaning 'of strange'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
θεσμῶνordinancesN2 GPM · θεσμόςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationθεσμός: meaning 'ordinances'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
κώμουςrevelsN2 APM · κῶμοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationκῶμος: meaning 'revels'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἄγοντεςconductingV1 · παπνπμ ἄγωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπνπμ ἄγω: meaning 'conducting'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
24
οὔτε βίους οὔτε γάμους καθαροὺς ἔτι φυλάσσουσιν ἕτερος δ' ἕτερον ἢ λοχῶν ἀναιρεῖ ἢ νοθεύων ὀδυνᾷ
they no longer keep either lives or marriages pure, but one kills another by treachery or, corrupting him, causes pain.
Personal relations collapse as murder, deceit, and sexual corruption replace fidelity and purity.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
οὔτεneitherC · οὔτεconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastοὔτε: meaning 'neither'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
βίουςlivesN2 APM · βίοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationβίος: meaning 'lives'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
οὔτεneitherC · οὔτεconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastοὔτε: meaning 'neither'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
γάμουςmarriagesN2 APM · γάμοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationγάμος: meaning 'marriages'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
καθαροὺςpureA1A APM · καθαρόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationκαθαρός: meaning 'pure'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἔτιstillD · ἔτιadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastἔτι: meaning 'still'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
φυλάσσουσινthey keepV1 PAI3P · φυλάσσωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processφυλάσσω: meaning 'they keep'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἕτεροςone manA1A NSM · ἕτεροςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἕτερος: meaning 'one man'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
δ'butX · δέadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastδ': meaning 'but'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἕτερονanotherA1A ASM · ἕτεροςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἕτερος: meaning 'another'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἢeitherC · ἤconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastἢ: meaning 'either'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
λοχῶνby treacheryN2 GPM · λόχοςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationλόχος: meaning 'by treachery'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἀναιρεῖkillsV2 PAI3S · αἱρέω + ἀναverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processαἱρέω + ἀνα: meaning 'kills'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἢeitherC · ἤconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastἢ: meaning 'either'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
νοθεύωνcorruptingV1 · παπνσμ νοθεύωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπνσμ νοθεύω: meaning 'corrupting'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ὀδυνᾷcauses painV3 PAI3S · ὀδυνάωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processὀδυνάω: meaning 'causes pain'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
25
πάντα δ' ἐπιμὶξ ἔχει αἷμα καὶ φόνος κλοπὴ καὶ δόλος φθορά ἀπιστία τάραχος ἐπιορκία
And everything is mixed together: blood and murder, theft and deceit, corruption, faithlessness, turmoil, perjury,
The chapter piles vice upon vice to show idolatry's total social contamination.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
πάνταeverythingA3 NPN · πᾶςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceπᾶς: meaning 'everything'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
δ'butX · δέadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastδ': meaning 'but'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐπιμὶξall mixed togetherD · ἐπιμίξadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastἐπιμὶξ: meaning 'all mixed together'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔχειhasV1 PAI3S · ἔχωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processἔχω: meaning 'has'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
αἷμαbloodN3M NSN · αἷμαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceαἷμα: meaning 'blood'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
φόνοςmurderN2 NSM · φόνοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceφόνος: meaning 'murder'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
κλοπὴtheftN1 NSF · κλοπήnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceκλοπή: meaning 'theft'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
δόλοςdeceitN2 NSM · δόλοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceδόλος: meaning 'deceit'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
φθοράcorruptionN1A NSF · φθοράnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceφθορά: meaning 'corruption'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἀπιστίαfaithlessnessN1A NSF · ἀπιστίαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἀπιστία: meaning 'faithlessness'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
τάραχοςturmoilN2 NSM · τάραχοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceτάραχος: meaning 'turmoil'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἐπιορκίαperjuryN1A NSF · ἐπιορκίαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἐπιορκία: meaning 'perjury'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
26
θόρυβος ἀγαθῶν χάριτος ἀμνηστία ψυχῶν μιασμός γενέσεως ἐναλλαγή γάμων ἀταξία μοιχεία καὶ ἀσέλγεια
confusion over good things, forgetfulness of favor, defilement of souls, distortion of birth, disorder in marriages, adultery, and debauchery.
The list reaches inward and outward at once, touching gratitude, lineage, marriage, and bodily conduct.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
θόρυβοςconfusionN2 NSM · θόρυβοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceθόρυβος: meaning 'confusion'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἀγαθῶνover good thingsA1 GPN · ἀγαθόςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἀγαθός: meaning 'over good things'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
χάριτοςof favorN3T GSF · χάριςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationχάρις: meaning 'of favor'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἀμνηστίαforgetfulnessN1A NSF · ἀμνηστίαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἀμνηστία: meaning 'forgetfulness'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ψυχῶνof soulsN1 GPF · ψυχήgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationψυχή: meaning 'of souls'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
μιασμόςdefilementN2 NSM · μιασμόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceμιασμός: meaning 'defilement'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
γενέσεωςof generationN3I GSF · γένεσιςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationγένεσις: meaning 'of generation'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἐναλλαγήdistortionN1 NSF · ἐναλλαγήnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἐναλλαγή: meaning 'distortion'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
γάμωνof marriagesN2 GPM · γάμοςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationγάμος: meaning 'of marriages'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἀταξίαdisorderN1A NSF · ἀταξίαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἀταξία: meaning 'disorder'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
μοιχείαadulteryN1A NSF · μοιχείαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceμοιχεία: meaning 'adultery'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀσέλγειαdebaucheryN1A NSF · ἀσέλγειαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἀσέλγεια: meaning 'debauchery'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
27
ἡ γὰρ τῶν ἀνωνύμων εἰδώλων θρησκεία παντὸς ἀρχὴ κακοῦ καὶ αἰτία καὶ πέρας ἐστίν
For the worship of nameless idols is the beginning and cause and end of every evil.
The entire section resolves into a principle: false worship is not incidental to evil but its source, engine, and terminus.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
ἡyourRA NSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γὰρforX · γάρadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastγὰρ: meaning 'for'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τῶνof theRA GPN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀνωνύμωνnamelessA1B GPN · ἀνώνυμοςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἀνώνυμος: meaning 'nameless'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
εἰδώλωνof idolsN2N GPN · εἴδωλονgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationεἴδωλον: meaning 'of idols'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
θρησκείαworshipN1A NSF · θρησκείαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceθρησκεία: meaning 'worship'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
παντὸςevery circumstanceA3 GSN · πᾶςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationπᾶς: meaning 'every circumstance'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἀρχὴbeginningN1 NSF · ἀρχήnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἀρχή: meaning 'beginning'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
κακοῦof evilA1 GSN · κακόςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationκακός: meaning 'of evil'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
αἰτίαcauseN1A NSF · αἰτίαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceαἰτία: meaning 'cause'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πέραςendN3T NSN · πέραςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceπέρας: meaning 'end'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἐστίνisV9 PAI3S · εἰμίverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processεἰμί: meaning 'is'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
28
ἢ γὰρ εὐφραινόμενοι μεμήνασιν ἢ προφητεύουσιν ψευδῆ ἢ ζῶσιν ἀδίκως ἢ ἐπιορκοῦσιν ταχέως
For either while rejoicing they rave, or they prophesy lies, or they live unjustly, or they quickly commit perjury.
Idolatrous life alternates between ecstatic excess and everyday injustice, producing false speech as naturally as false worship.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
ἢeitherC · ἤconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastἢ: meaning 'either'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
γὰρforX · γάρadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastγὰρ: meaning 'for'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εὐφραινόμενοιrejoicingV1 · πμπνπμ εὐφραίνωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπμπνπμ εὐφραίνω: meaning 'rejoicing'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
μεμήνασινthey raveVX XAI3P · μαίνομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateμαίνομαι: meaning 'they rave'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἢeitherC · ἤconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastἢ: meaning 'either'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
προφητεύουσινthey prophesyV1 PAI3P · προφητεύωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processπροφητεύω: meaning 'they prophesy'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ψευδῆliesA3H APN · ψευδήςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationψευδής: meaning 'lies'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἢeitherC · ἤconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastἢ: meaning 'either'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ζῶσινthey liveV3 PAI3P · ζάωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processζάω: meaning 'they live'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἀδίκωςunjustlyD · ἀδίκωςadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastἀδίκως: meaning 'unjustly'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἢeitherC · ἤconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastἢ: meaning 'either'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐπιορκοῦσινthey commit perjuryV2 PAI3P · ὁρκέω + ἐπιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processὁρκέω + ἐπι: meaning 'they commit perjury'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ταχέωςquicklyD · ταχέωςadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastταχέως: meaning 'quickly'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
29
ἀψύχοις γὰρ πεποιθότες εἰδώλοις κακῶς ὀμόσαντες ἀδικηθῆναι οὐ προσδέχονται
For because they trust in lifeless idols, though they swear wickedly, they do not expect to be harmed.
Their confidence in powerless images encourages moral recklessness, especially in oath-taking.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
ἀψύχοιςin lifeless thingsA1B DPN · ἄψυχοςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceἄψυχος: meaning 'in lifeless things'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
γὰρforX · γάρadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastγὰρ: meaning 'for'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πεποιθότεςhaving trustedVX · χαπνπμ πείθωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateχαπνπμ πείθω: meaning 'having trusted'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
εἰδώλοιςidolsN2N DPN · εἴδωλονdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceεἴδωλον: meaning 'idols'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
κακῶςwickedlyD · κακῶςadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastκακῶς: meaning 'wickedly'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὀμόσαντεςhaving swornVA · ααπνπμ ὄμνυμιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateααπνπμ ὄμνυμι: meaning 'having sworn'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἀδικηθῆναιto be harmedVC APN · ἀδικέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementἀδικέω: meaning 'to be harmed'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
οὐnotD · οὐadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
προσδέχονταιthey expectV1 PMI3P · δέχομαι + προςverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processδέχομαι + προς: meaning 'they expect'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
30
ἀμφότερα δὲ αὐτοὺς μετελεύσεται τὰ δίκαια ὅτι κακῶς ἐφρόνησαν περὶ θεοῦ προσέχοντες εἰδώλοις καὶ ἀδίκως ὤμοσαν ἐν δόλῳ καταφρονήσαντες ὁσιότητος
But on both accounts justice will pursue them, because they thought wrongly about God by attending to idols and swore unjustly in deceit, despising holiness.
The chapter grounds punishment in both false theology and false oath: bad worship and bad speech belong together.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
ἀμφότεραboth thingsA1A NPN · ἀμφότεροιnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἀμφότεροι: meaning 'both things'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
δὲbutX · δέadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastδὲ: meaning 'but'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
αὐτοὺςthemRD APM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceαὐτοὺς: meaning 'them'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
μετελεύσεταιwill pursueVF FMI3S · ἔρχομαι + μεταverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureἔρχομαι + μετα: meaning 'will pursue'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
τὰtheRA NPN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
δίκαιαjust penaltiesA1A APN · δίκαιοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationδίκαιος: meaning 'just penalties'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ὅτιbecauseC · ὅτιconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: meaning 'because'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
κακῶςwickedlyD · κακῶςadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastκακῶς: meaning 'wickedly'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐφρόνησανthey thoughtVAI AAI3P · φρονέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristφρονέω: meaning 'they thought'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
περὶregardingP · περίpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingπερὶ: meaning 'regarding'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
θεοῦgodN2 GSM · θεόςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationθεός: meaning 'god'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
προσέχοντεςattendingV1 · παπνπμ ἔχω + προςverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπνπμ ἔχω + προς: meaning 'attending'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
εἰδώλοιςidolsN2N DPN · εἴδωλονdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceεἴδωλον: meaning 'idols'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀδίκωςunjustlyD · ἀδίκωςadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastἀδίκως: meaning 'unjustly'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὤμοσανthey sworeVAI AAI3P · ὄμνυμιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristὄμνυμι: meaning 'they swore'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
δόλῳin deceitN2 DSM · δόλοςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceδόλος: meaning 'in deceit'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
καταφρονήσαντεςhaving despisedVA · ααπνπμ φρονέω + καταverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateααπνπμ φρονέω + κατα: meaning 'having despised'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ὁσιότητοςholinessN3T GSF · ὁσιότηςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationὁσιότης: meaning 'holiness'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
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οὐ γὰρ ἡ τῶν ὀμνυμένων δύναμις ἀλλ' ἡ τῶν ἁμαρτανόντων δίκη ἐπεξέρχεται ἀεὶ τὴν τῶν ἀδίκων παράβασιν
For it is not the power of those by whom they swear, but the justice against sinners that always tracks down the transgression of the unjust.
The close rejects any efficacy in idols themselves and locates the real force in divine justice pursuing human wrongdoing.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
οὐnotD · οὐadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
γὰρforX · γάρadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastγὰρ: meaning 'for'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἡyourRA NSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
τῶνof theRA GPN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὀμνυμένωνof those by whom they swearV5 · πμπγπν ὄμνυμιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπμπγπν ὄμνυμι: meaning 'of those by whom they swear'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
δύναμιςpowerN3I NSF · δύναμιςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceδύναμις: meaning 'power'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἀλλ'butC · ἀλλάconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastἀλλ': meaning 'but'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἡyourRA NSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
τῶνof theRA GPM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἁμαρτανόντωνof sinnersV1 · παπγπμ ἁμαρτάνωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπγπμ ἁμαρτάνω: meaning 'of sinners'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
δίκηjusticeN1 NSF · δίκηnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceδίκη: meaning 'justice'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἐπεξέρχεταιcomes afterV1 PMI3S · ἔρχομαι + ἐπι + ἐκverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processἔρχομαι + ἐπι + ἐκ: meaning 'comes after'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἀεὶalwaysD · ἀείadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastἀεὶ: meaning 'always'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὴνtheRA ASF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
τῶνof theRA GPM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀδίκωνof the unjustA1B GPM · ἄδικοςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἄδικος: meaning 'of the unjust'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
παράβασινtransgressionN3I ASF · παράβασιςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπαράβασις: meaning 'transgression'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.